So, having gone back through all the sleeves that we’ve uncovered, I’ve come to a decision as to which is my favourite. And it happens to be the very first one I posted at the beginning of this thread: Pat Benatar’s 1982 album “Get Nervous”.
This was really the album that inspired me to start thinking about creating a list of all the bondage themed album covers in the first place. I have to admit that I actually bought this on LP in the 80s, simply for the cover. So what’s so fascinating about it? Well, I just love the contrast between the white straitjacket and her black boots and tights, with the plain padded cell background. The album’s entitled “Get Nervous” and I think this aptly describes the look on Pat’s face as she sits on the floor in her helplessness. Her expression shows an uncertainty as to her coming fate; a sort of “What are you going to do to me now” look that highlights her nervousness at the vulnerable state she finds herself in. (I like to think that, when the photo session was taking place, Pat was really strapped into the jacket so she couldn’t escape. I also like to think that maybe they refused to let her out for a while once the they’d got all the shots they needed; maybe left her there for a couple of hours at least. I know this is doubtful, but I can fantasize, can’t I?)
Although this album is available on CD, to get the full impact you need a copy of the 12” LP version. My LPs are all stacked together side by side, and I make sure that this album is always on the end, so that, every time I walk in the room , Pat is sitting there helplessly gazing at me.
The link below shows the less well known back cover, with Pat standing up in the padded cell, her hair now frizzed up, but with a similarly frightened/bewildered expression on her face. On the floor sit her four (male) band members, holding the arms of the straitjacket outstretched on either side.
http://www.coverdude.com/covers/pat-benatar-get-nervous-1982-inside-cover-66043.jpgSo that’s my vote as favourite Bondage Album Cover of all time. (Oh, and the music’s not bad either!)
If I have to pick a runner up, it would be the Russian duo t.A.T.u’s “Friend or Foe” single sleeve (see link at #13) which features the band’s Julia Volkova and Lena Katina, tied up wearing black tights (do you see a theme developing here?), Although the bondage doesn’t look particularly tight, I love the expression on the girls’ faces; neither delighted or dismayed with their situation. It seems they’re sort of giving out the message, “So we’re tied up, who cares?”
So these are my choices. Let's hear about your favourites.
Steve
